Latest news with #AtlasC.1A400M
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Yahoo
Edinburgh locals awestruck as RAF military transport aircraft arrives in capital
A huge RAF warplane touched down in Edinburgh on Sunday morning, with keen aviation enthusiasts lining up with their cameras. The Airbus A400M Atlas arrived at Edinburgh Airport from its base at Brize Norton before taking off once more shortly before 1pm, heading for Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport in Poland. Ray French was among those eagerly waiting with their cameras to snap pictures of the rare spectacle as he captured the aircraft as it began its descent into Edinburgh Airport. READ MORE: Three Edinburgh teenagers rushed to hospital after 'stabbing' in Portobello READ MORE: Historic Edinburgh pub divides tourists with 'unwelcoming' sign at front door The Atlas entered operational service with the RAF back in 2014, with its role primarily dedicated to providing tactical airlift and strategic oversize lift assistance alongside the Hercules and C-17 fleets. Describing the aircraft online, the RAF says: "Atlas (Atlas C.1 A400M) has the ability to carry a 37-tonne payload over 2,000nm to established and remote civilian and military airfields, and short unprepared or semi-prepared strips. "Capable of operating at altitudes up to 40,000ft, Atlas also offers impressive low-level capability. "It will accommodate as many as 116 fully-equipped troops; vehicles; helicopters, including a Chinook; mixed loads, including nine aircraft pallets and 54 passengers, or combinations of vehicles, pallets and personnel, up to a payload of 37 tonnes. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "Loads are delivered by parachute, gravity extraction from the aircraft's rear ramp (influenced by the cargo's own weight), or by landing. Paratroops will be dropped from the aircraft's dedicated paratroop doors, or from the rear ramp. "The Atlas (Atlas C.1 A400M) is operated by two pilots and a Weapons Systems Operator (Crewman) (WSOp (Cmn))."
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why huge military plane was flying low over reservoir this week
An RAF aircraft was spotted flying low over a reservoir earlier this week. The military plane was seen by a member of the Bolton News' Camera Club over Anglezarke Reservoir near Chorley on Tuesday, March 11. A RAF spokesperson said: "A single A400M Atlas from RAF Brize Norton, completed a routine currency sortie today around the Anglezarke area, which included a low level air drop. "This type of training ensures our pilots continue to be ready for global operations." The Atlas C.1 A400M model is capable over carrying a 37-tonne payload over 2,000nm, and was spotted a long way from its base in Oxfordshire. According to the RAF, the Atlas is capable of operating at altitudes up to 40,000ft but also "impressive" low-level capability. The aircraft is based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and flies with four different squadrons. These are the 206 Test and Evaluation Squadron, the 30 Squadron, the LXX Squadron and the XXIV Squadron. The Atlas C.1 A400M aircraft was spotted over Anglezarke (Image: Dylan Harrison)Have a story? Get in touch at The Atlas is designed for carrying paratroopers and can hold as many as 116 fully-equipped troops. The RAF uses a variety of training areas around the whole of the UK for training and vary their routes and training locations for maximum training benefit. This allows pilots to train in varied environments to prepare for operations across the world. READ MORE: Former RAF pilot dies 'having lavished 103 years of love into the world' READ MORE: Minister condemns protesters who forced RAF out of university jobs fairs READ MORE: United States Air Force statement after aircraft fly over Bury The design of the Atlas was first proposed in February 1999 and accepted the following year. The first model had its maiden flight on December 11, 2009. The type is officially known as the Atlas but the term A400 is more commonly heard in use at its RAF Brize Norton base.
